WINSTON-SALEM, NC. — Carolina University Softball returned to the field Wednesday, April 15, hosting NCCAA South Region rival Paine College in a doubleheader rematch of last season's South Regional Semifinal thriller. Nearly a year after Paine's 12-inning, 12-10 victory on May 2, 2025, the two programs met again, with the Bruins earning a split on the day.
Game 1: Paine College 5, Carolina University 3 (8 innings)
Paine College edged Carolina in extra innings, capitalizing on late opportunities to secure a 5-3 win in the opener.
Carolina struck first in the opening inning and added two more runs in the fourth to take a 3-1 lead. However, defensive miscues proved costly, as four errors allowed Paine to stay within reach and eventually tie the game in the seventh.
In the eighth, Paine broke through with two runs, highlighted by a triple and sacrifice fly, to seal the victory.
Game 1 Leaders (Carolina):
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Emma-Lea Cabral: 2-for-4, 2B, 1 run
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Lexi Hall: 2-for-4, 1 run, SB
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Anni Bergmeier: 2-for-3, RBI (also pitched complete game)
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Emily Wilson: RBI
Anni Bergmeier went the distance in the circle, allowing nine hits and five runs (one earned) while striking out two.
Game 2: Carolina University 9, Paine College 4
The Bruins responded in dominant fashion in Game 2, erupting for nine runs to secure the split.
After trailing 4-1 early, Carolina delivered a decisive fourth inning, plating four runs to take control. The Bruins continued to apply pressure, adding three runs in the fifth and another in the sixth to pull away.
Game 2 Leaders (Carolina):
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Stacie Sanders: 1-for-1, double, 4 RBI
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Alyssa Rowe: 1-for-2, triple, 2 RBI, 2 runs
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Emma-Lea Cabral: 2-for-4, RBI
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Madison Hamilton: Win (7 IP), 4 runs, 2 strikeouts
Madison Hamilton earned the complete-game victory in the circle while also contributing offensively with two runs scored.
Coach's Quote
Interim Head Coach Danielle Brooks praised her team's resilience after the split:
"I'm proud of how our group responded after a tough extra-inning loss. We showed grit, made adjustments at the plate, and competed the way Carolina softball is capable of. Splitting against a strong regional opponent like Paine is a step forward for us."
Carolina moves forward building momentum from the Game 2 performance as they continue play against Milligan University on Saturday April 18 with a doubleheader starting at 2pm.
